Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

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Description:

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple () also Gavipuram Cave Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, is located in Bangalore in the state of Karnataka in India. Temple is famous due to the somewhat mysterious stone discs in forecourt and the exact planning allowing for Sun to shine on shrine in certain time of the year.

Temple

The ancient temple was cut out of monolithic rock probably in the 9th century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Main shrine is Shivalinga, in the front of the temple there is also Nandi sculpture. The temple contains also a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire.

There are other idols inside including the idol of Agnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.

This is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hundreds of devotees during Shivaratri.

Illumination of shrine by the Sun

Thousands of devotees come in middle January every year on Makarsankranti Day to this cave temple. This is a special day when the sunrays fall on the Sivalinga for one hour as it passes between the horns of the Nandi. Such was the knowledge of architecture and astronomy that the ancient sculptors could craft the horns of the stone bull outside the temple so that the sun's rays would pass through its horns and light up the deity ShivaLinga inside the cave.Comparison of contemporary structures and earlier drawings...Read More